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PIB’S DAILY BULLETIN ON COVID-19

Dr. Harsh Vardhan reviews preparedness and containment measures taken for COVID-19 management in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare held a meeting today withHealth Ministers of Uttar Pradesh andOdisha, and senior officials from both Centre and the States to review the situation, actions being taken and preparedness for management of COVID-19 in the three States.He stated that as on 7th May, 2020, a total of 52,952 cases have been reported from the country in which 15,266 persons have been cured and 1,783 deaths had occurred. In the last 24 hours, 3561 new confirmed cases have been added and 1084 patients were found cured. He added that in comparison to other countries, India is in a better condition as the fatality rate is 3.3% and recovery rate is 28.83%. He also added that there are 4.8% patients in ICU, 1.1% on ventilators and 3.3% on oxygen support of the active cases. The testing capacity has increased in the country and it is 95,000 tests per day. Cumulatively, 13,57,442 tests have been done so far for COVID-19. As on date, there are 180 districts with no new cases in less than 7 days, 180 districts with no new cases in 7-13 days, 164 districts which have not had any new case in 14-20 days and 136 districts with no new cases since the last 21-28 days.In view of the surge in number of migrant labour expected to reach the States in the days to come, Dr. Harsh Vardhan exhorted the States that robust strategy and mechanism need to be drawn up for their testing, quarantine, and treatment of the positive cases. An effective strategy also needs to be put in place for their testing, institutional quarantine and treatment, if needed.States were also informed that helpline number 104 in addition to 1075 can be used for Grievance Redressal for non-COVID essential services, and for informing regarding availability of these services etc. Adequate measures for prevention of vector diseases also needs to be taken, they were advised.
Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi addressed the virtual ‘Vesak Global Celebrations' on Buddha Purnima
TheVirtual Prayer Event saw participation of heads of Buddhist Sanghas from around the world. The program is dedicated as Global Prayer Week in honour of Victims and frontline warriors of COVID-19. Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi addressed the virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima today. Minister of State for Culture and Minister of State for Tourism, ShriPrahlad Singh Patel and Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Minister of State for Minority Affairs, ShriKirenRijiju also participated in the event held virtually.
Text of PM’s Speech on the occasion of Vesak-Buddha Purnima
“Friends, each and every word, each and every discourse of Lord Buddha reinforce India's commitment to serve humanity. The Buddha symbolizes both the Enlightenment of India and the Self-Realization of India. With this self-realization, India is and will continue to work for the benefit of the entire humanity, the whole world. India's progress will always be helpful in the progress of the world.”
Health and AYUSH Ministers formally launch inter-disciplinary studies involving AYUSH interventions for COVID 19 situation
Health Minister Sh. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for AYUSH Sh. ShripadYessoNaik jointly launched clinical research studies on Ayurveda interventions as an add-on to standard care to COVID 19 situation and AyushSanjivani application today. Speaking on the occasion Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “India has a history of traditional medicine since long and being the pioneer in the field of Ayurveda, the Ministry of AYUSH is working to address the COVID 19 pandemic problem in the country through clinical studies of AYUSH systems.ShriNaik informed that the Ministry of AYUSH has undertaken four clinical and population based studies to find a better solution to the problem and to assess the role of AYUSH for prevention of the disease.
Indian Railways geared up to provide COVID Care Centers to State Authorities
Ministry of Railways has converted its 5231 coaches as Covid Care Centers. The Coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the Covid Care centers as per guidelines issued by MoHFW. These coaches can be used in areas where State has exhausted the facilities and needs to augment capacities for isolation of both suspect and confirmed Covid cases. Indian Railways has kept 158 stations ready with watering and charging facility and 58 stations with watering facility for these COVID Care centers.
Union HRD Minister announces modifications in PMRF Scheme to boost research in the country
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' today announced that, to boost research in the country various amendments have been carried out in Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme. He said that after the amendments, now for the students from any recognised institute/ university , the requirement of GATE Score is reduced to 650 from 750 apart from minimum CGPA of 8 or equivalent.
RS Chairman and LS Speaker discuss COVID and meetings of Parliamentary Committees
Vice President of India and Chairman of RajyaSabhaShri M. Venkaiah Naidu held a meeting with LokSabha Speaker Shri Om Birla and discussed the situation regarding COVID-19 disease in the country, role being played by Members of Parliament and the feasibility of holding meetings of Committees of Parliament.Shri Naidu and Shri Birla also discussed the issue of feasibility of various Committees of Parliament holding their meetings at the earliest in the prevailing situation and in the context of restrictions on travel across the country. They felt that if the situation does not allow regular conventional meetings of the Committees in the near future, alternative means of enabling such meetings may be explored.
Indian Navy dispatches ships and Armed Forces ready quarantine facilities to help in evacuation of Indian nationals from abroad
Indian Armed Forces have dispatched Naval ships with medical teams and aid supplies to several countries in the IOR region. In return journey, the Ships will bring back Indian national evacuees from this region.Further, Armed Forces have kept in readiness six quarantine facilities that can accommodate up to 2,100 Indians being evacuated from several countries in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Indian National evacuees stranded due to COVID19 in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Malaysia will be housed in the quarantine facilities maintained by the three Services- Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force- in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bhopal, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.
Phone call between Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi and H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi had a phone call with H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.The two leaders discussed the domestic, regional and global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed solidarity with each other during the health crisis. The Minister assured Dr. Abiy Ahmed Aliof Indian support to Ethiopia,for ensuring supplies of essential medicines and ameliorating the economic impact of the pandemic.
Industries Should Take Positive Approach and Tap the Opportunities Created After Covid-19 Crisis Gets Over: ShriGadkari
ShriNitinGadkari has said that industries should keep a positive outlook and tap the opportunities that may arise after COVID pandemic is over. ShriGadkari called upon the industry that it is needed to be ensured by industries that necessary preventive measures are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He emphasized that organizations should ensure that their workers and executives are taken care of - by providing food, shelter and maintaining social distancing norms.
ShriGadkari sets road construction target for next two years at Rs 15 lakh crore
The Minister has said that he has directed the ministry officials to finalise the auto scrapping policy quickly, and said, it will go a long way in cost reduction. He also suggested exploring cheaper credits including foreign capital for enhancing liquidity in the automobile manufacturing sector.On the question of BS4 vehicles, he said, the government is bound by SC verdict on the same.
Union Agriculture Minister calls for farmers’ movement on integrated soil nutrient management based on Soil Health Card
Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, ShriNarendra Singh Tomar has called for making integrated soil nutrient management a farmers’ movement. Reviewing the progress of the Soil Health Programme, he directed running mission mode awareness campaigns on increasing use of bio and organic fertilisers and reducing chemical fertilisers strictly based on recommendations of Soil Health Card.During 2020-21, the major focus of the programme would be on mass awareness programme for farmers in over 1 lakh villages covering all districts of the country.
Secretary, Food and Public Distribution holds review meeting with Food Secretaries of 24 States/UTs on food grain distribution under the Pradhan Mantri GaribKalyan Anna Yojana
Under the scheme, about 120 Lakh Metric Tonnes  food grains are being distributed to the vulnerable sections of society across the country affected by the pandemic. Government has ensured that all priority households  under NFSA gets double their usual allocation during three months of April, May and June 2020 along with each Antyodaya Anna Yojana  beneficiary getting an extra 5 Kg/month than their normal quota of 35 Kg per card per month. There has been enthusiastic response from the state governments against this scheme and a quantity of 69.28 LMT has already been lifted upto 06.05.2020.
Smt. HarsimratKaurBadal emphasizes the importance of Integrated Cold Chain Network in the uncertain and evolving times of COVID-19 pandemic
During a video conference with promoters of MoFPI supported cold chain projects today, Union Minister emphasized the importance of Food processing enterprises, especially the Integrated Cold Chain Network, in the present uncertain and evolving circumstances in view of COVID pandemic.The Food Processing Industry has the potential to absorb the excess farm produce thereby benefiting the farmers and at the same time, convert the harvest into a value added processed product that can meet the domestic as well as the global demand.
Labour Minister Interacts with CTU Representatives to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic
ShriSantosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State  for Labour and Employment held a Webinar with the Central Trade Union Organizations  to discuss the emergent situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic and to minimize its impact on the workers and on the economy. These issues include  Protection of the interest of Workers and Migrant Workers in view of COVID-19,  Measures to generate Employment,  Measures to be adopted for restarting economic activities and  Measures to improve situation of MSME to enable them to discharge their liabilities under Labour Laws.
ShriGadkari calls upon Fragrance and Flavours Association of India to focus on domestic production & import substitution
Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport and Highways, ShriNitinGadkari held meeting with the members of Fragrances and Flavours Association of India on impact of COVID-19 on startup eco system and MSMEs. ShriGadkari suggested to the Fragrances and Flavours Industry to focus on domestic production of products instead of using imported products and emphasized domestic production of bamboo. He added that industry should focus more on innovation, technology and research skill to become competitive in global market.
DG, CSIR launches Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19
A “Compendium of Indian Technologies for Combating COVID-19 ” prepared by National Research Development Corporation was launched by Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General, CSIR The compendium carries information about 200 COVID-19-related Indian technologies, ongoing research activities, technologies available for commercialisation, initiatives and efforts taken by the Government of India, categorised under 3Ts of Tracking, Testing and Treating. Most of these technologies are proof-of-concept tested and can help the entrepreneurs to take the product to market faster as they do not have to reinvent the wheel.
Notice period for draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020 extended till 30th June.
Central Government, published the draft notification namely, Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020 vide S.O. 1199 dated the 23rd March, 2020 in the official gazette on 11th April, 2020, for the information of the public likely to be affected thereby and for making any objections or suggestions on the proposal contained in the draft notification within sixty days. The Ministry has now extended the notice period up to 30th June, 2020.
Ministry of Tourism launches DekhoApnaDesh Logo Design Contest
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘DekhoApnaDesh’ logo design contest on the MyGov platform. The objective of this contest is to have a logo for ‘DekhoApnaDesh’ campaign coming out of creative ideas of the citizens of the country.Post lockdown and as the control over the spread of pandemic is achieved, it is widely agreed fact that domestic tourism will recover faster than international tourism.
ICAR Institutes released Advisories to Fisheries sector in 12 languages
In order to ensure safety of all stakeholders associated in the agricultural sector, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare through its research Institutes have taken several innovative steps to sensitize all concerned in different sub-sectors. In this endeavor, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi prepared advisories for the benefit of the fishermen, fishing boat owners, fishing harbour, fish market and seafood processing plants in 10 different regional languages, besides English and Hindi.
Nashik Smart City initiatives such as mobile applications and body sanitization machines strengthen the city’s fight against Covid-19
INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES
- Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administrator has directed that all responsible citizens should inform about their own sickness, if any to the nearest dispensary. He appealed to the local leaders and neigbours to intimate the Administration about any person in their area showing symptoms of COVID. Till date 38,44,867 of cooked food packets have been distributed among the destitute and needy persons in UT Chandigarh.
- Punjab: As the state prepares to handle a large influx of NRIs from other nations and stranded people from across the country, Chief Minister has issued a series of directives to check the spread of the deadly COVID-19, including strict directives to the Health Department to ensure mandatory screening of all such returnees, with institutional quarantine for those coming back from high-risk regions of India, and hotel/home quarantine for the NRIs.
- Haryana: The Haryana Urban Local Bodies Department has issued directions for imposing penalties and fines for violation of social distancing norms in the market areas within the Municipal limits. Haryana Government is steadfast to provide employment and boost the economy of the state for which automated approvals are being given at the portal https://saralharyana.gov.in/ and so far 19,626 units have been approved and 11,21,287 workers have been allowed to work.
- Kerala:The first Air India Express flight from Abu Dhabi with177 adults & 4 infants will land at 9.40 pm tonight in Kochi marking the beginning of the historic Vande Bharat mission. Another Air India Express from Dubai is to land at Kozhikode by 10.30 pm tonight. Expats to be quarantined as per MHA guidelines. The govt. stops issuing travel pass to bring back Keralites stranded in other states due to delay in quarantining. Migrant workers today staged protests in Kannur &Ernakulam districts demanding return to their native places. 6 more Keralites lost their lives to Covid19 in the UK,US and the Gulf. 8 districts have become Covid free, with 30 active cases in the State.
- Tamil Nadu: Special train with 1,136 passengers from Tamil Nadu leaves for Ranchi. Industries in deep distress as lakhs of migrant workers, including 32,000 from Coimbatore, have expressed their interest in returning home. Transit passes mandatory to buy essentials, liquor amid lockdown in Madurai. Despite demands from opposition parties not to open TASMAC outlets, the sale of liquor has commences across the State on Thursday, except in a few districts. Total cases till now: 4829, Active cases: 3275, Deaths: 35, Discharged: 1516.
- Karnataka: Today 8 new cases confirmed. 3 each in Davangere&Kalburgi and 1 each in Belagavi& Bangalore. Today one 55 year old female patient succumbed to Covid at Davangere. Total cases till now 701. So far 30 people dead, and 363 people cured and discharged.
- Andhra Pradesh: Nine people were killed and more than 200 injured in the Vizag chemical gas leak incident at LG Polymers chemical early in the morning. PM dials CM Jagan Mohan Reddy over the gas leak incident, assures Centre's support. Green zone district Vizianagaram reported 3 positive cases for the first time. 56 Covid +ve cases reported, 51 discharged and two deaths reported in the last 24 hours after testing 8087 samples. Total cases rise to 1833. Active cases: 1015, Recovered: 780, Deaths: 38. Districts leading in +ve cases: Kurnool , Guntur , Krishna .
- Telangana: 2,803 stranded workers left for their states from Telangana on Wednesday. Telangana high court on Wednesday directed the state government to furnish to the court within two days the steps it is taking to rescue persons caught in emergency health situations. Despite the State government allowing private offices to resume operations with 33% workforce, the IT/ITeS sector is waiting for more clarity before drawing up their back-to-office strategies. Total cases till now: 1107, Active cases: 430, Deaths 29; Cured: 648.
- Arunachal Pradesh: CM says that Chief Ministers Relief Fund has so far received a sum of Rs.19.89crore and expenditure incurred on Covid related relief till date has been Rs. 9.49crore.Total 32,751 free LPG cylinders delivered under PMGKY in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Assam: CM held a meeting with the Chairman and members of the Advisory Committee for revitalisation of economy of the state due to Coronavirus outbreak.
- Meghalaya: IIM Umsawli in Meghalaya converted into largest Corona care centre in the state with 258 beds, floors segregated for staff, suspected cases and patients.
- Manipur:Govt permits MNREGA work in rural areas with strict enforcement of social distancing, all educational institutions in the state to maintain academic schedule through online teaching.
- Mizoram: Muster Roll Employees from the Public Health Engineering Department in Mizoram contributed Rs.1 lakh in CM Relief Fund for COVID19 pandemic.
- Nagaland: CM inspects Tuensang district hospital, distributes relief items to daily wage earners. Deputy CM donates walkie-talkie sets to Village Councils of Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphere&Shammator.
- Maharashtra: State reported 1,233 new Covid cases- a new single-day high -- taking its tally to 16,758, while 34 more deaths raised the toll to 651. Mumbai alone has reported more than 10,500 cases now.Although Mumbai accounts for highest number of Covid positive cases, it is also the only city that has conducted one lakh plus tests. Everyday upto 4,500 tests are being conducted in 6 public and 11 private labs. However the rate of positivity has increased to 10% as against 3% in early April, indicating rapid spread of the infection. The Maharashtra government has asked 25,000 private doctors in Mumbai to report to hospitals treating Covid-19 patients immediately. The doctors will be provided protective gear and will be paid for working in an emergency, the state government said in a notice. Doctors above the age of 55 have been exempted from the move.
- Gujarat: State reported 380 new Covid cases taking the number of positive cases in the state to 6,625, while the death toll due to the pandemic rose to 396. Out of 380 new cases, 291 were reported from Ahmedabad.
- Rajasthan: The Rajasthan government has sealed interstate borders to stop the entry of unauthorised people to check the spread of Covid-19 in the state.The total number of positive cases in the state stands at 3355. Rajasthan has recorded the highest recovery rate of 46.98 among major states.
- MP: In Madhya Pradesh, the number of positive cases is 3,138. With 1,099 people cured, the state has recorded a recovery rate of approximately 33%.